ABSTRACT
Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) may be managed by lifestyle measures that focus on adipose tissue and the intestine as both contain many immune cells, es-pecially macrophages. The aim regarding adipose tissue is to induce a chronically high fatty acid oxidation rate or prevent increases in fat mass. The former may be achieved by adhering to the minimum amount of physical activity necessary for health maintenance. However, increased fat mass already present often requires weight reduction, which is achieved most effectively by meal replacement. Short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal microbiota modulate inflammatory potential in the intestine by acting on the intestinal wall and at systemic level. Dietary fibre forms the main substrate for the microbiota, so low fibre intake results in low short-chain fatty acid production and compromised homeostasis. The Mediterranean diet is held to be an ideal alimentary measure in combating LGCI due to the diet’s anti-inflammatory effects and sub-stantial amounts of dietary fibre. Other factors such as sleep and stress also affect LGCI, but to what extent compared to adipose tissue and the intestine remains unclear. Controlling LGCI will likely reduce the risk of severe COVID-19-like and non-communicable disease, warranting routine LGCI analysis.